Essential Furniture Care Guide by Marco Furniture

Your furniture isn't just for sitting pretty. It's an investment, a vibe, and a whole lifestyle choice. From rich timber textures to sleek stone finishes, every piece deserves a little TLC to keep looking as fresh as day one. Whether you’re dealing with solid wood, marble tops, or concrete accents, this guide covers the essentials to help you keep your furniture in mint condition, without the stress or guesswork.

Fabric care

Fabric upholstered furniture like your modular sofa, velvet ottoman, linen armchair, or cushy boucle footstool need some decent TLC. Fabric is prone to dust build-up, moisture stains, and general wear. Every spill, smudge, or sneaky snack crumb can fast-track the damage if you’re not paying attention.

Do’s

• Vacuum weekly using a soft brush head. Focus on corners where dust accumulates easily.
• Rotate and plump cushions often, especially if they’re filled with foam or feathers. This stops sagging and keeps the shape snatched.
• Spot clean stains with a mild, acid-free cleaner. Always test on an invisible area first.
• Use washable or protective covers if you’ve got kids, pets, or a red wine habit.

Don’ts

• Don’t scrub aggressively. You’ll ruin the fabric and potentially fade the colour.
• Skip chemical-heavy cleaners. Use gentle & chemical-free cleaning products.
• Avoid placing fabric furniture in direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discoloration.
• Never use too much water to clean fabric, as it can lead to damage.

Leather care

Leather furniture including a leather dining chair, accent armchair and L-shaped couch brings a luxurious feel to your living room, but it also requires specialized care to ensure it remains in top condition.

Do’s

• Use a leather kit or conditioner every 3-6 months to keep the surface supple.
• Dust-off weekly with a cotton or soft cloth.
• Wipe up spills instantly with a clean dry cloth.
• For fabric-leather hybrids, spot clean the fabric sections separately and gently.
• Rotate cushions and seats on your couch to ensure even wear.
• Use protective covers if your leather piece sits near heat or sunlight.

Don’ts

• Don’t use alcohol, bleach, or ammonia-based products. You’ll strip the finish fast.
• Avoid exposing your leather furniture to excessive heat or moisture, which can cause cracks.
• Never rub or scrub the leather too aggressively, as it can damage the surface.
• Avoid placing leather furniture near windows where it might be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Avoid body oils and lotions coming into contact with the leather. They leave stubborn marks.
• Don’t drag sharp objects or sit with metal details (like rivets on jeans) that may scratch.
  

Sintered stone, marble & ceramic care

Whether it’s your extendable dining table with a sintered stone top, or a ceramic sideboard finish, stone surfaces need sharp attention. They’re heat-resistant but still vulnerable to stains, scratches, and acidic cleaners.

Do’s

• Clean sintered stone and marble surfaces with a mild, acid-free cleaner and a soft cloth.
• For tough stains, go with a stone-safe mild cleaner.
• Seal porous materials like marble with approved sealing products every year.
• Use coasters and placemats to protect your furniture from heat and spills.
• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid any damage.
• Apply polishing products designed for sintered stone or marble to restore shine.

Don’ts

• Avoid using abrasive cleaning products, which can scratch and dull the surface.
• Don’t place hot pots or pans directly on marble, sintered stone, or ceramic surfaces.
• Never use acidic or harsh cleaning agents like bleach, which can damage the finish.
• Avoid dragging objects across the surface as it can leave marks or scratches.
• Don’t use cheap all-purpose sprays. They’re not built for stone preservation.

Metal care

Whether you’ve got brushed metal dining chairs, a black steel coffee table frame, or brass cabinet handles, metal needs low-key but consistent maintenance. Think of it like jewellery, it’ll dull without attention.

Do’s

• Dust weekly with a soft dry cloth.
• For grime, go in with a damp cloth and dry immediately to avoid streaks.
• Use metal-safe polishes sparingly.
• Store unused metal items in dry zones to avoid moisture build-up.
• For rust prevention, consider waxing or using a protective coating.

Don’ts

• Don’t leave metal near open windows where rain or condensation can hit.
• Skip abrasive pads or scouring cloths.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or glass cleaner unless metal-safe.
• Avoid exposing metal furniture to extreme humidity or moisture for extended periods.
• Never use steel wool or other rough scrubbing tools that could scratch or mar the surface.

Oak, Walnut & Timber care

Got a solid oak buffet, walnut coffee table, or timber TV cabinet? These natural woods have character and charm, but they’re not invincible. These materials are highly sensitive to temperature changes and polishing.

Do’s

• Dust your wooden furniture regularly with a soft cotton cloth to keep it clean.
• Use timber-friendly polishing products once a month for sheen and surface care.
• Keep the room well-ventilated to reduce moisture and warping.
• Use coasters, mats, and soft felt pads under décor items.
• Place your wooden furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Don’ts

• Avoid using chemical-based cleaners, as they can damage the wood's natural finish.
  Don’t place hot objects directly on wood, as it can cause heat marks or burn the surface.
• Never let water sit on wood surfaces for too long, as moisture can lead to swelling or warping.
• Don’t use abrasives on wood, as this can scratch and damage the surface.

TLC for recliner sofas

A recliner sofa provides the comfort you need after a long day, but keeping it in top condition requires regular attention. They’re not the kind of furniture you “set and forget.”

• Keep all moving parts clean and lubricated with approved products.
• Fluff cushions weekly to avoid sagging.
• Vacuum fabric or leather recliners thoroughly, especially in the folds.
• Avoid leaning back too forcefully, it puts stress on the recliner’s motor.
• Use a mild cleaner designed for upholstery to remove any stains or dirt.
• Protect the recliner with a furniture cover or slipcover to prevent spills or stains.

A note to general furniture care

Furniture care goes beyond just cleaning and maintenance; it’s about investing in the longevity of your pieces. Following a consistent care and maintenance routine will ensure your furniture lasts for years. Remember to regularly check for any signs of wear and tear and address them before they become bigger issues.

From fabric to timber, each material has a maintenance rhythm that keeps its look and strength intact. Build a cleaning routine. Rotate pieces when possible. Protect surfaces with mats and covers. Avoid chemical-heavy sprays. Stick to acid-free, material-specific cleaning products.

When you purchase from Marco Furniture, one of the leading furniture stores Canberra, you’re getting more than just high-quality pieces. You’re also gaining access to expert advice on keeping your furniture in pristine condition. Visit us today for all your furniture needs and caring tips.